County Clare receives largest funding allocation for coastal protection and flood defence works

County Clare has received the largest allocation of funding for coastal protection and flood defence works.
Just over €8.27 million will be provided to repair the costal damage as a result of the severe weather from December 13 to January 6.
The county received the largest cut of the €19.6m funding allocated by Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works today.
Minister Hayes said, “Since Christmas, I have visited many coastal communities which have suffered so severely from storms, flooding and tidal surges. The physical damage will take time to repair and I am pleased that my office has responded so quickly. The amounts being made available, together with the guidance provided by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on works and development consents required will greatly assist local authorities in these works.”
At last night’s meeting of Clare County Council members were told that the council applied to the OPW for €12 million for coastal repair and protection work.
Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) said the Clare coastline was one of the worst effected.
“We have 180 kilometres of soft coastline. We are the most vulnerable of all coastal counties,” he said.

Andrew has been working in the media in the West of Ireland for more than a decade. During that time he has been shortlisted for many national journalism awards, served as a judge for the Choice Music Prize in 2008 and was part of the nominating panel for the Meteor Ireland Music Awards from 2008 to 2011. He holds an MA in Journalism and Public Relation and a BA in English, Sociology and Politics.
He is currently working on his debut novel. A selection of his writings, including a number of short stories can be viewed on Where The Rain Falls at https://wheretherainfallslifeemerges.blogspot.com/
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